Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon Group, has launched BioWISE – Women in STEM Empowered – a pioneering programme aimed at supporting women science students from underrepresented communities across Karnataka. Developed in collaboration with the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), this initiative targets students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 universities to help them build careers in life sciences.

Unveiled at NCBS Bengaluru, BioWISE is part of Biocon Biologics’ broader CSR agenda and reflects the group’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development in science. The programme will support 25 women students, including 15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates, through structured internships, training, and mentorship over a span of six and three months respectively.

The Modular Bridging System is a sophisticated, mechanically launched mobile bridge engineered by DRDO. Designed to span distances from 14 to 46 metres, it allows rapid deployment to support the movement of tracked and wheeled military vehicles. The system is tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and various government agencies operating in dynamic field conditions.

BioWISE is designed to offer a multi-dimensional platform for capacity building, combining mentor-mentee sessions, exposure visits to top-tier institutions like IISc, TIGS, and JNC, and soft skills training. It also features hands-on lab training, seminars, and visits to bio-incubation centres, empowering participants to explore innovation pathways in life sciences.

The launch was attended by key stakeholders including Dr. Anupama Shetty, Mission Director of Biocon Foundation; R Anantharaman, CEO of BeST; Prof. L S Shashidhara, Director of NCBS; and government officials from the Department of Collegiate Education, Karnataka.

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, remarked, “Empowering women in STEM is a strategic investment in our nation’s future. BioWISE aligns with our mission to ensure equitable access to research, education, and opportunity.”

The initiative will be funded by Biocon Foundation, with mentorship from experts at Biocon Biologics. NCBS will act as the academic host, while BeST Cluster will oversee programme design and implementation.

The first cohort marks a step towards creating inclusive scientific ecosystems, where women from marginalised backgrounds are equipped to lead and inspire in India’s life sciences landscape.